Peter Greene, the American actor best known for his chilling roles in Pulp Fiction and The Mask, passed away on December 12, 2025. He was 60 years old. Greene was found unresponsive in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City.
Authorities have confirmed that no foul play is suspected. The official cause of death is still pending confirmation from the medical examiner.
Early Life and Struggles
Peter Greene was born on October 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey. He grew up in a Catholic family with Irish roots, but kept details about his parents private.
At the age of 15, Greene ran away from home and moved to New York City. His early life on the streets was difficult and exposed him to crime and substance abuse. He later spoke openly about battling heroin and cocaine addiction during his youth and early adulthood.
Despite these struggles, Greene found purpose in acting. In his mid-20s, he trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, where his intense screen presence quickly set him apart.
Acting Career and Iconic Roles
Greene’s breakthrough came with the independent film Laws of Gravity (1992), followed by the critically praised Clean, Shaven (1993). His performance caught the attention of major filmmakers.
In 1994, he appeared as Dorian Tyrell in The Mask opposite Jim Carrey. The same year, he played Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, delivering one of the film’s most disturbing and unforgettable scenes.
His other notable films include The Usual Suspects, Judgment Night, Blue Streak, and Training Day. He also appeared in television series such as The Black Donnellys and featured in music videos for House of Pain and Mobb Deep.
Although often cast as villains, Greene brought depth and realism to every role.
Personal Life, Lifestyle, and Death
Peter Greene never married and had no publicly known wife or children. He valued privacy and lived a quiet life away from Hollywood attention. He was especially close to his brother and sister.
Greene lived modestly in a Clinton Street apartment in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. He was known for cycling around the city, avoiding luxury, and focusing on health and creativity. Despite past addiction and a benign tumor near his lungs, he remained active and continued working on new projects.
In the days before his death, neighbors reported Christmas music playing continuously from his apartment. After a welfare check, Greene was found deceased. Police noted facial injuries consistent with a possible fall, but confirmed there were no signs of forced entry or foul play.
Peter Greene leaves behind a powerful legacy as a character actor who transformed personal pain into unforgettable performances. His work continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
